Government Aims to Revitalise Domestic Toy Industry Ecosystem

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Director General of Domestic Trade at the Ministry of Trade, Iqbal Shoffan Shofwan, stated that the government wants to revive the domestic toy industry ecosystem.

He explained that in the 1980s era, when the Hong Kong toy industry was rapidly developing, Indonesia became a destination for many companies to establish production facilities.

“We want to revive that ecosystem; we want to become an international toy hub originating from Indonesia, so that Indonesia is not only a consumer but can also become the largest toy producer in the world,” he said during a media gathering in Jakarta on Friday.

He noted that Indonesia’s purchasing power remains relatively strong, as evidenced by data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) showing that 53% of gross domestic product comes from household consumption.

According to him, this condition increases the interest and confidence of business actors to open and develop businesses in Indonesia.

Iqbal gave the example that Lego has opened its largest store in Southeast Asia in Indonesia. Lego products are also starting to be produced in Batam.

To develop the toy industry ecosystem and become a toy production centre, he stated that Indonesia needs to increase productivity and innovation.

“The only way to increase productivity and innovation. We start from there…,” he said.

“Then, we also want to ask for commitment not only that, but to collaborate with small and medium enterprises or SMEs throughout Indonesia, which in the end, in turn, Indonesia can become a global children’s toy hub,” he added.

Meanwhile, Director of PT Mitra Adiperaksa Tbk, Handaka Santosa, stated that the opening of Lego’s largest store in Southeast Asia in Indonesia can attract tourists to shop domestically.

“Tourists will shop in Indonesia and not abroad. This will also accelerate the government’s goal of making Indonesia a shopping tourism destination and absorb labour,” he said.